Resources

Past Presentation

Understanding Forensic Healthcare During Sexual Assault Awareness Month | April 22, 2025

Date of Presentation: April 22, 2025

Type: Past Presentation  

Audience: Clinical  

Program: Pregnancy Care and Access  

Keywords: #forensic  #healthcare  #pregnancy  #sexual assault  #victimization  

In this presentation, Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, and Lenora Burbank, MSN, RN, share an overview of Forensic Healthcare (FHC), the statistics behind the sexual assault crisis, how to differentiate between types of victimization, the economic burden associated with sexual assault, and the benefits of FHC. Then, Nicole and Lenora review the medical forensic exam and safety screening, discuss the forensic nursing consultation program, and share valuable forensic health related projects, programs and resources. The Care and Access for Pregnant People ECHO Program includes an opportunity to engage in a didactic presentation, gain insight on how I/T/U facilities may effectively integrate timely pregnancy care, and become part of a learning community.

Presented by:

Lenora Burbank
MSN, RN

Lenora Burbank, MSN, RN, an enrolled member of the Navajo Tribe, serves as the Forensic Nurse Coordinator with the Division of Nursing Services (DNS), Indian Health Service (IHS) Headquarters. Ms. Burbank began her career with the IHS as a clinical nurse in obstetrics in November 2005, working with patients of all ages. During her tenure she advanced through nursing as a Supervisory Nurse of the Obstetric Care Unit, then later to the Assistant Chief Nurse Executive for inpatient units at Chinle Service Unit. She was trained as a sexual assault nurse examiner and provided medical forensic care to adult/adolescent patients through the Chinle R.I.S.E program. Lenora received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Northern Arizona University, and her Master of Science degree in Nursing with an emphasis in Clinical Systems Leadership from the University of Arizona. 

Nicole Stahlmann
MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P

Nicole Stahlmann, MN, RN, SANE-A, AFN-BC, SANE-P, FNE-A/P, serves as the forensic nursing consultant with the IHS Division of Nursing Services. Prior to her work with IHS, she served as a forensic nursing specialist with the International Association of Forensic Nurses and was the clinical program manager for the District of Columbia Forensic Nurse Examiners. Stahlmann was an emergency department nurse and adjunct instructor, teaching both undergraduate and master prepared students at Georgetown University. She continues to practice clinically, providing care for patients who have experienced violence. 

Dr. Patricia Capo
Dr. Patricia Capo
Faculty

Dr. Patricia (Tricia) Capo, MD, FACOG, is an ObGyn physician at Alaska Native Medical Center and Southcentral Foundation in Anchorage, Alaska. She graduated from Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and completed her residency training at The Mayo Clinic and Greenville Hospital System in South Carolina. Tricia has an inherent passion for Indigenous women’s health. She is a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and grew up on the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota. As a physician and a patient in the IHS system she hopes to provide a unique perspective and strive for quality care for Indigenous people.

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CDR Tina Pattara-Lau
CDR Tina Pattara-Lau
Lead Faculty

CDR Tina Pattara-Lau, MD, FACOG, is the Maternal and Child Health Consultant with the IHS Office of Clinical and Preventive Services. In this role, she serves as subject matter expert, develops national programs and policies, and collaborates with federal and community resources to optimize patient access to quality care. She began her IHS career in 2015 as an OB/GYN at Phoenix Indian Medical Center, Parker and Peach Springs Indian Health Centers, and Valleywise Health Medical Center. During the COVID-19 pandemic she developed modified guidelines for OB/GYN care including delivery of telehealth prenatal care, vaccine education for patients, and multidisciplinary simulation training for Obstetric Readiness in the Emergency Department.

Tina graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with degrees in Molecular and Cell Biology and Psychology. She commissioned into the US Public Health Service in 2007 and received her medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in 2011. She completed her OB/GYN residency at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, is board certified, and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

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CAPT Stacey Dawson
CAPT Stacey Dawson
Lead Faculty

CAPT (Ret.) Stacey Dawson, PhD, MSN, CNM, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Baccalaureate degree in nursing and joined the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant.  Her initial inspiration to become a nurse midwife occurred when she attended a specialized OB course instructed by nurse midwives at Langley AFB, VA. Stacey transferred from the Air Force to the Public Health Service and served as an immigration health nurse. She earned her MSN from Frontier Nursing University, transferring to the Phoenix Indian Medical Center as a nurse midwife, and later, the Chief of Midwifery Services. Stacey completed her PhD in Nursing Education from Capella University, moving to the IHS Phoenix Area Office as a Maternal Child Health Consultant that same year. She served 2 years as the Women’s Health Consultant at IHS HQ then retired from the US Public Health Service after 23 years of total uniformed service. She has recently rejoined in her previous IHS HQ role, as a civil servant and is looking forward to continuing her prior work. She enjoys working with students in various capacities and loves teaching and learning something new every day! 

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Resources Provided:

Date added: March 18, 2025